Gluteus minimus muscle

Hello again, everyone. It’s Matt from Kenhub! And in this tutorial, we will discuss the origin, insertion, innervation, and function of the gluteus minimus.

The gluteus medius and minimus muscles (also referred to as the small gluteal muscles) are part of the dorsal gluteal musculature.

The gluteus minimus muscle belongs to the deeper layer along with the rotators of the hip joint.

The gluteus minimus muscle originates between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines of the ilium. It inserts at the greater trochanter of the femur along with the gluteus medius.

Topographically, their caudal parts are in close proximity to the piriformis muscle which runs from the sacrum to the greater trochanter as well.

Both are supplied by the superior gluteal nerve, a branch of the sacral plexus.

The small gluteal muscles are the most powerful abductors and inward rotators of the hip joint. A contraction of the ventral fibers results in a flexion and inward rotation. The dorsal fibers perform an extension and outward rotation.

Altogether, they play an important role in the stabilization of the pelvis.